"That's 80% of the catalogue - and it’s rising,” said Cathy, associate director of Sutton Kersh, Liverpool.

"We realised £7.8 million, which is a fantastic start to the year."

Cathy added: "February is always a good auction, but the turnout was even better than expected.

“Many properties went for prices much higher than their guide price, and there were sales across the UK.

“We are clearly getting interest from further afield now we cover a wider area including cities like Manchester and Birmingham.”

There was a flurry of activity for Lot 85, two self-contained flats in South Road, Hockley, Birmingham, one one-bedroom and one two-bedroom.

The guide price was £90,000 with high interest not only from those in the auction room but from telephone bidders.

It eventually sold to a bidder in the room for £155,000.

"Last year was our best year with a total sales figure close to £50 million, but it looks like this year could top that," said Cathy.

"I would like to think that such a good auction at the start of the year is a sign of another very good year to come, which is very exciting."

Sutton Kersh's next auction will be held on Thursday, March 28, at the Crowne Plaza Liverpool City Centre. For more information, visit www.suttonkersh.co.uk/auctions or call 0151 207 6315.